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Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce

Crisp gai lan stalks and tender leaves blanched quickly and topped with a savory garlic oyster sauce.

15 minEasyServes 490 cal/serving

ChineseSideStovetopLow CarbDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreePork-FreeNightshade-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chinese broccoli, trimmed
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in half of the 1 tbsp vegetable oil.

  2. 2

    Add 1 lb trimmed Chinese broccoli stems first for 1 minute, then submerge the leaves and blanch for another minute until tender-crisp.

  3. 3

    Drain the Chinese broccoli thoroughly and arrange neatly on a platter.

  4. 4

    Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Whisk in 3 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, simmering for 1 minute until warm and glossy.

  6. 6

    Pour the garlic sauce over the blanched Chinese broccoli and serve immediately.

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Questions

Why blanch first in Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce?

Step 2 reads: "Add 1 lb trimmed Chinese broccoli stems first for 1 minute, then submerge the leaves and blanch for another minute until tender-crisp." The quick boil in step 2 sets the color and takes off the raw edge. If the step follows it with cold water, that is to stop the cooking at once so the vegetables stay bright and crisp.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce in Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce?

The entry for Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce calls for 3 tbsp oyster sauce. In its place: Hoisin thinned with a little soy sauce is the nearest shelf substitute, and a mushroom stir-fry sauce is the vegetarian one. Both are sweeter, so hold back any sugar in the recipe.

Can I make Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce is 3 tbsp oyster sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

Is Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce keto-friendly?

A serving of Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce carries 7 g of carbohydrate, 3 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 35 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 7 percent.

Does Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce contain shellfish?

Yes: 3 tbsp oyster sauce. The full allergen list for this entry is shellfish and sesame. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How do I store and reheat Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce?

Refrigerate what is left of Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Serve it with

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